Salomon Ski Reviews - 2010/11 Season

SALOMON SKI REVIEWS (2010/11)

Salomon split their skis into 5 main categories - Big Mountain Skis, Park & Pipe Skis, All Mountain Skis, Racing Skis, and On Piste Performance Skis. The way they describe these five ski categories is as follows:

Big Mountain Skis - Skis for aggressive, off-piste skiing. Stable, great floatation, consistency in all snow conditions. Maximum floatation, maximum stability and power. Skis you can trust when charging in the most unpredictable conditions.

Park & Pipe Skis - Skis for pushing tricks to the next level. Spin, ski switch, butter moves and balanced in the air. Full woodcore, specific constructions for every purpose, bomber edges. Designed, tested and approved by Salomon team riders.

All Mountain Skis - For skiers who like to explore everything the mountain has to offer, precision combined with stability. Skis designed to excel in everything from steep couloirs to perfect corduroy, and everything in-between. If you want one ski for every terrain and condition, this is your ride.

These are actually very helpful ski definitions and should help you hone in on what you want from your ski. The reality is that the majority of people will be best served by some form of all round ski. The trouble is that at each edge of a ski category there is an all out, zero compromise ski that will be absolutely awesome in the terrain and conditions it was designed for but not that great if you try to use it elsewhere. For instance, the all out big mountain powder ski will be fantastic on a massive open powder face, but try skiing on some early morning neve on them and you'll feel like a terrified first day beginner all over again!

About Ski Rocker Technology:

Also known as 'Early Rise'. Progressive reverse camber or 'Rocker' means that a ski has a section of softer flex either at the tip or tail (or both) which can provide consistency on groomers as well as performance in powder - watch out for our full article on this subject coming soon!

Salomon have a range of great skis available for this winter season: big mountain skis, downhill skis, racing skis, off piste skis, powder skis and park skis. Full ski reviews are provided below with information on important specifications: ski weights, ski costs, ski dimensions.

Read on for information on Salomon Skis available this winter season...

SALOMON SKI REVIEWS (2011 Season Skis)

Salomon El Dictator Ski Review

Category: Big Mountain Ski

Salomon's Description: Pure, athlete driven big mountain ski designed by Cody and Kaj. 300mm of rocker shape and full woodcore provide power and stability to crush the competition. Pure, athlete driven big mountain ski designed by Cody and Kaj. 300mm of rocker shape and full woodcore provide power and stability to crush the competition.

Ski Construction: Full woodcoreWhat the designers say: Designed by Cody Townsend and Kaj Zackerson with one thing in mind - winning in the world freeride tour no matter what conditions - hardpack, pow, and everything in between. 114 underfoot to cope with deep pow but not so fat as to skip out on big landings, 300mm of rocker to keep the tip up in pow but not lose it in hardpack conditions. Full wood metal laminate contruction so super stiff, light, and super stable - it charges.

Salomon Sentinel Ski Review

Category: Big Mountain SkiSalomon's Description: Very high performance resort and backcountry ski for big strong skiers who demand exceptional stability in all conditions.

What the designers say: Rick Armstrong says this is "kinda a one ski quiver" it skis everything. The rocker allows it to float in powder but you won't be dissappointed at all with it on hardpack, this ski can rip hardpack - as hard as it gets. It also has a sidewall which makes a racy feeling ski that can also ski powder.

Salomon Rocker Ski Review

Category: Big Mountain SkiSalomon's Description: The very best in deep powder performance. This reverse camber hybrid enables superbly buttery turns while also being a solid, stable platform for high-speed power turns and big landings.

What the designers say: Unchanged for a few years now - unchanged because its probably the best pow ski out there. 127mm underfoot gives it tons of floatation in deep pow. 720mm of rocker meaning the rocker starts far back giving plenty of tip rise so you never get your tips diving in the pow & also making it quick & nimble in pow. Flat tail keeps it stable at high speeds to let you charge. Its the ultimate powder ski - if you're going to AK, or a cat skiing trip to BC, or even if dumps at your local resort. Cody Townsend mounts his 2cm forward of the mounting line to make them a bit quicker, but the standard line should be fine for most.

Salomon Rocker Ski Review from SkiMoutain Editorial Team: The ski that everyone wants but few get the conditions and size of powder faces to really justify it! We think the Salomon Rocker ski must be the biggest ski in the universe! Its long and wide and stiff and has heaps of rocker for uber floatation in deep snow. It's also got a swallow tail to give an incredibly smooth end to those turns.

Who's the Salomon Rocker Ski for? Big mountain chargers about to go and take on the big Alaskan lines. Not recommended for resort or on-piste use at all!

Salomon Czar Ski Review

Category: Big Mountain SkiSalomon's Description: Twin tip, high performance powder ski with rocker shape for floatation in powder and full woodcore for stability. New 190cm length for 2010.

What the designers say: Mark Abna says "this is the ski he takes with him on the hill when its snowing like crazy and I'm gonna be shredding deep trees, also the ski on the back of his snowmobile when he goes into the backcountry, or on the back of the heli when hes going to shred some big lines up in AK. Its got 111 underfoot so its got plenty of stability and float with 670mm of rocker in the tip so when it comes to those really deep days you've got plenty of float and it just gives you that extra manoeverability to let you snake your way through the trees. Its got a nice long sidecut so that when you start linking together long turns up in the high alpine its got tons of stability. Mark mounts his bindings 3cm infront of the 'progressive stance' line which helps even up the swing weight for doing tricks or manoevering through the trees. All in all its an amazing all round ski and I love it"

Salomon Czar Ski Review from SkiMoutain Editorial Team: The Salomon Czar ski is another Biggie from Salomon for big line charging. Lots of rocker and width to get floatation on the deepest of days. Stiff, but not as stiff as the Rocker skis. Seems to handle the big landings very well and is very stable at high speed, but is not designed for hardpack. That said, the edge grip is remakably good for a wide ski and your feet shouldn't slide out from under you if you hit a hard spot. Who's the Salomon Czar Ski for?... Great skiers who ski fast, go big, and get lots and lots of powder days. Would also suit those of you who are lucky enough to afford a heli ski trip!

What the designers say: Mark Abna - when creating this ski we were trying to create something great for every day, all conditions. 101 underfoot, 350 at the tip which allows for plenty of float in the pow without compromising the ability to ski crud once it all starts to pack out and you're left skiing the normal conditions you see on your ski hill. The layer of bamboo adds a really responsive snappy feel. Mark mounts on the front line to let him spend as much time in the park as the rest of the hill and the front line mounting gives a nice even swing weight. For those not so interested in tricks mounting on the back line gives loads of performance and a classic feel for charging all over the hill.

Salomon Shogun Ski Review from SkiMoutain Editorial Team:The Salomon Shogun ski is a really good all rounder and can be taken anywhere on the mountain. It's wide enough to float on top of the deep stuff, but it's not so wide that it can't handle some hard pack. The twin tip and a healthy amount of flex and spring means that its a good backcountry kicker ski, but also does well in the park.

Who wants the Salomon Shogun Ski?This is a good ski for the skier who charges around the resort and seeks out air. A great ski for the all round skier.

What the designers say: Mike Douglas describes this as a good allmountain type ski with just enough for a little float in powder but narrow enough to hook up really well on the groomers. Fine for 'the occassional powder day' - great for skiing at a resort which gets a bit of powder but not too much.

Salomon Lord Ski Review from SkiMoutain Editorial Team: Good Lord! The Salomon Lord ski is another good all-round ski which is geared slightly more towards groomers and hard pack than the Shogun. The relatively narrow waist gives really good edge grip, yet the wide tip and tail are just wide enough for good float in the powder. This ski performed well in the park although its not a full twin tip, so not ideal for switch riding.

Who wants the Salomon Lord Ski?Someone who skis more in bounds than out, yet wants the freedom to be able to take the odd off piste run when the snow is good. Skis well for any ability from good to bad to ugly. Its a forgiving ski, but not so much that it will ever halt progression unless you start charging really hard.

Salomon The Knight Ski Review

Category: Big Mountain SkiSalomon's Description: Easy turning all-mountain freeride ski designed to help skiers experiment with more of the mountain.

Salomon Background

Driven by passion for skiing and design innovation, Francois Salomon and his son George designed and perfected many of the first modern ski bindings.

In doing so, the Salomon brand was born in 1947 in the heart of the French Alps and the birthplace of modern alpinism. During the following 60 years, Salomon's commitment to innovative design and passion for mountain sports created a vast range of revolutionary new concepts in bindings, boots, skis and apparel for both alpine and nordic skiing and brought innovative solutions to footwear, apparel and equipment for snowboarding, adventure racing, mountaineering, and many other sports.

The ski reviews below refer to salomon skis brought out in the 2010 ski season - note that many of the skis remain the same design for more than one season though the graphics are almost always updated from season to season.

SALOMON ROCKER

I think the Salomon Rocker ski must be the biggest ski in the universe! Its long and wide and stiff and has heaps of rocker for uber floatation in deep snow. It's also got a swallow tail to give an incredibly smooth end to those turns.

Who's the Salomon Rocker Ski for?

Big mountain chargers about to go and take on the big Alaskan lines. Not recommended for resort or on-piste use at all!

Cost: £600 without bindings

What Salomon Say...

The Salomon Rocker Skis are the very best in deep powder performance. 720mm of rocker in the tip for instant flotaion in powder. Flat swallow tail design enables buttery turns but also a solid, stable platform. Full woodcore and edgy monocoque construction for high-speed power turns and big landings.

Ski Lengths: 192

Tip (mm): 147 Waist (mm): 127 Tail (mm): 137 Turn Radius (m): 48.5

Weight per pair of Rocker Skis excluding bindings (kg): 5.8

SALOMON CZAR

The Salomon Czar ski is another Biggie from Salomon for big line charging. Lots of rocker and width to get floatation on the deepest of days. Stiff, but not as stiff as the Rocker skis. Seems to handle the big landings very well and is very stable at high speed, but is not designed for hardpack.

That said, the edge grip is remakably good for a wide ski and your feet shouldn't slide out from under you if you hit a hard spot.

Who's the Salomon Czar Ski for?

Great skiers who ski fast, go big, and get lots and lots of powder days. Would also suit those of you who are lucky enough to afford a heli ski trip!

Cost: £500 without bindings

What Salomon Say...

The Czar skis are the tool for playing in powder. Perfect for stomping tricks and generally ripping around the backcountry. 670mm of rocker in the tip for powder floatation.

SKi Lengths: 166,174,182,190

Tip (mm): 131 Waist (mm): 111 Tail (mm): 121

Weight per pair of Czar skis excluding bindings (kg): 4.2

Turn Radius (m): 44.7

SALOMON SHOGUN

The Salomon Shogun ski is a really good all rounder and can be taken anywhere on the mountain. It's wide enough to float on top of the deep stuff, but it's not so wide that it can't handle some hard pack.

The twin tip and a healthy amount of flex and spring means that its a good backcountry kicker ski, but also does well in the park.

Who wants the Salomon Shogun Ski?

This is a good ski for the skier who charges around the resort and seeks out air. A great ski for the all round skier.

Cost: £450 without bindings

What Salomon Say...

100mm wide waist freeride ski that also excels on groomers.

Innovative basalt & bamboo layers with specific rocker help set a new performance and design standard for the big mountain twin-tip category.

Ski Lengths: 164,173,182,191

Tip (mm): 130 Waist (mm): 101 Tail (mm): 120

Weight per pair of Shogun skis excluding bindings (kg):4.2

Turn Radius:25.9

SALOMON LORD

Good Lord! The Salomon Lord ski is another good all-round ski which is geared slightly more towards groomers and hard pack than the Shogun. The relatively narrow waist gives really good edge grip, yet the wide tip and tail are just wide enough for good float in the powder. This ski performed well in the park although its not a full twin tip, so not ideal for switch riding.

Who wants the Salomon Lord Ski?

Someone who skis more in bounds than out, yet wants the freedom to be able to take the odd off piste run when the snow is good. Skis well for any ability from good to bad to ugly. Its a forgiving ski, but not so much that it will ever halt progression unless you start charging really hard.

Cost: £380 without bindings

What Salomon Say...

The Lord exceeds in serving the two most common needs of every big mountain skier - edge grip on groomers and off-piste versatility.

Ski Lengths: 161,169,177,185

Tip (mm): 128 Waist (mm): 87 Tail (mm): 115

Weight per pair of Lord skis excluding biindings (kg):3.7

Turn Radius (m): 17.4

SALOMON N the NIGHT

Nobody knows anything about this ski because its super ultra top secret.

It's good in the park?

It's called the Salomon N the Night ski?

Maybe?

Cost: I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you...

What Salomon Say...

SFA, de nada, zilch, nul.

SALOMON DUMONT

Simon Dumont's choice of ski for his ultra boosting antics. It's Salomon's ultimate park ski and its got great pop and stability as well as being nice and light. It's very quick edge to edge thanks to its narrow waist and has re-inforced edges for those of you who like to jib. If it's good enough for Dumont then aint it good enough for anyone?

Who wants the Salomon Dumont Ski?

Park skiers whether you like big air, pipe or jibbing. Its also a really good all mountain ski, but not really wide enough for a big powder day. It's stiff enough to push it quite hard when you're skiing lines and charging around the mountain.

Cost: £350 without bindings

What Salomon Say...

The park and pipe ski for rippers: Core design, double edge armor for rail resistance and construction for going world record big.

Ski Lengths: 151,161,171,176,181

Tip (mm): 122 Waist (mm): 86 Tail (mm): 115 Turn Radius (m): 18.5

Weight per pair of Dumont skis excluding biindings (kg): 3.6

SALOMON SUSPECT

The Salomon Suspect ski is very similar to the Dumont ski but is, if anything, slightly less stiff. This makes for a park ski thats really easy to throw around and perform nose presses etc. Its pretty good in most types of snow and on most areas of the mountain, but its real forte is for learning tricks in the park and pipe.

Who wants the Salomon Suspect Ski?

Someone who is desperate to learn the tricks and play around all over the pistes- this is the ski! Great for those just getting to grip with the park and getting airtime on the rest of the mountain.

Cost: £300 without bindings

What Salomon Say...

The reference for twin tip addicts: Solid construction and performance in park & all terrain versatility.

Ski lengths: 151,161,171,176,181

Tip (mm): 122 Waist (mm): 86 Tail (mm): 115 Turn Radius: 18.5

Weight per pair of Suspect skis excluding biindings (kg): 3.6

SALOMON THREAT

The Salomon Threat ski is a ski which is so forgiving that you'll almost want to do wrong!

Who wants the Salomon Threat Ski?

This is a great ski for the beginner to intermediate skier who wants to learn the ropes in a park environment, but also wants to explore the rest of the mountain.

Also, nice if your into your black and white graphics!

Cost: £230 without bindings

What Salomon Say...

The perfect ski for aspiring park riders who also want all-terrain versatility

Ski lengths: 151,161,171,176

Tip (mm): 122 Waist (mm): 85 Tail (mm): 112

Weight per pair of Threat skis excluding biindings (kg): 3.5

Turn Radius: 18.5

SALOMON XW FURY

The Salomon XW Fury ski, is the evolution of the incredibly popular piste ski legacy from Salomon. The Fury is the top end of the X-wing series and is much stiffer than the rest of the series. It's relatively thin in the waist by these days standards but its got enough float to get through chop, if not powder.

Who wants the Salomon XW Fury Ski?

It will best suit good skiers who love to carve hard and ski aggressively on the pistes.

Cost: £600 with bindings

What Salomon Say...

The most powerful all-terrain ski with superior shock absorption and an excellent terrain adaptation on a 85mm platform.

SALOMON XW TORNADO

The Salomon XW Tornado ski is not quite as stiff as the Fury but seems to have just the same amount of bounce. It's a lighter ski than the Fury but it still needs to be skied with a bit of zing and skill to get the best out of it.

Who wants the Salomon XW Tornado Ski?

Will suit piste players from intermediate to advanced.

However, a bit narrower than the Fury so starts to struggle off the pistes.

Cost: £500 with bindings

What Salomon Say...

The XW Tornado skis are the most powerful and precise one-ski-quiver for all terrain on a 79mm platform.

Ski lengths: 152,159,166,173,180

Tip (mm): 120 Waist (mm): 76 Tail (mm): 104

Weight per pair of XW Tornado skis with bindings (kg): 6.4

Turn Radius: 16.3

SALOMON XW STORM

With the Salomon XW Storm ski we are getting down to the more forgiving piste ski, ideal for people getting to grips with skiing.

Who wants the Salomon XW Storm Ski?

This ski is a great tool for intermediates looking to get the hang of turning nicely down the pistes. When salomon say all mountain they mean 'all mountain piste'.

This is basically a resort ski.

Cost: £450 with bindings

What Salomon Say...

The advanced All-Mountain ski on a 75mm platform.

Ski lengths: 152,160,168,176

Tip (mm): 120 Waist (mm): 80 Tail (mm): 108

Weight per pair of XW Storm skis with bindings (kg): 6.4

Turn Radius: 15.3

SALOMON X-WING 8

The last of Salomons range this season but by no means last. The Salomon X-Wing 8 ski (or XW8 for short) is a good entry ski to introduce you to skiing.

Who wants the Salomon XW8 Ski?

A great budget option for beginner to intermediates and those who just like to relax on their skis. Lightweight and slim in the waist so very easy to initiate turns and get the feel for how good skiing can be.

Cost:£350 with bindings

What Salomon Say...

The X-Wing 8 has smart sidecut & chassis combination for athletic performance. Perfect edge grip on groomers. Maneuverable and light to ski on all terrain.

Ski lengths: 152,160,168,176

Tip (mm): 120 Waist (mm): 73 Tail (mm): 101

Turn Radius: 15.3 Weight per pair of XW8 skis with bindings (kg): 6.4

Salomon Background

Driven by passion for skiing and design innovation, Francois Salomon and his son George designed and perfected many of the first modern ski bindings.

In doing so, the Salomon brand was born in 1947 in the heart of the French Alps and the birthplace of modern alpinism. During the following 60 years, Salomon's commitment to innovative design and passion for mountain sports created a vast range of revolutionary new concepts in bindings, boots, skis and apparel for both alpine and nordic skiing and brought innovative solutions to footwear, apparel and equipment for snowboarding, adventure racing, mountaineering, and many other sports.